Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of antithetical Nearly every move Sun has made has been antithetical to traditional art collecting. Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 The end result is far fewer roster spots at the Division-I level, which would seem antithetical to the NCAA’s overall mission. Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 At the 2024 Rose Ball, Princess Charlene opted for attire that was seemingly antithetical to her 2025 look. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025 To begin with, Trump froze all research funding so that the administration could decide what should be funded and to be sure that the research was not in any way antithetical to U.S. policies especially those supporting DEI. Lucie Lapovsky, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
  • As with most things, men and women have received contradictory messaging about it.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
  • While official agency reports are often incomplete or internally contradictory, Grant Watch cross-references its data, flags discrepancies, and updates entries as new information becomes available.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Such ideas may have formed in childhood and, given damage to the basolateral amygdala, not been revised later in life, even in the face of contrary experiences, as with untrustworthy individuals.
    Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
  • As is frequently the case in America these days, those looking for ways to blame an act of terror on distinctly right-wing or leftist extremism will find that the truth lies in a baffling and murky middle where contrary strains of radicalism converge.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • And the two former Chelsea colleagues, as managers of the London club’s men’s and women’s teams during the 2023-24 season, find themselves in opposite scenarios.
    Meg Linehan, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions.
    Ganesh Rao,Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antithetical

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